Remote tracking and communication device

ABSTRACT

A remote tracking and communication device comprising a housing which encloses a processor, a memory, a position locator, a first transmitter, and a second transmitter. Each of the latter components are electronically coupled to the processor. Both the first and second transmitters are adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format. The device further comprises a first battery, which is removably affixed to the housing and electronically coupled to each component within the housing, a speaker and a microphone electronically coupled to the first transmitter, and a button electronically coupled to the processor. When pressed, the button is adapted to activate voice communications with a call center using the first transmitter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/202,427 filed Aug. 10, 2005 and entitled “REMOTE TRACKING ANDCOMMUNICATION DEVICE,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field of the present invention is remote tracking and communicationdevices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many different devices are known for the remote tracking individuals,cars, or the like and/or for remotely communicating with individuals.For example, standard cellular telephones allow two-way voicecommunication, but they are often incapable, or at least inefficient, attracking the movement of the operating user. On the other hand, remotetracking devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,652,570, 5,731,757,5,867,103, 6,072,396, and 6,100,806. Each of these mobile trackingdevices enable the remote tracking of the unit (and the user operatingor wearing the device), but they do not have two-way voice communicationcapabilities or have implementations of two-way voice communicationcapabilities which are at best awkward and require additional devicesfor implementation of full voice communication.

Moreover, the database systems which support such mobile trackingdevices generally pass all location data obtained from the trackingdevices directly through to the administrative user who requiresanalysis of the data. This places the task of sorting through themountain of location data directly on the administrative user. Placingsuch a heavy burden on the administrative user, however, is generallyundesirable and a waste of resources.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards a remote tracking andcommunication device and a method of processing data generated by such adevice. In a first separate aspect of the present invention, the remotetracking device comprises a housing which encloses a processor, amemory, a position locator, and first and second transmitters. Each ofthe latter components are electronically coupled to the processor. Thefirst transmitter is adapted to send and receive wireless voice and datasignals in a digital format. The second transmitter is also adapted tosend and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format.The device further comprises a first battery, which is removably affixedto the housing, a speaker, a microphone, and a button for activation ofvoice communications with a call center using the first transmitter.

The remote tracking device may include a second battery, this one beingenclosed within the housing, which is provided as a backup to the firstbattery. The charge on the second battery is maintained by the firstbattery. The remote tracking device may also include an opticaltransmitter and an optical receiver disposed within the housing. Astrap, which includes an optical fiber and a conductor, may then haveboth ends affixed to the housing such that one end of the optical fiberis in alignment with the optical transmitter and the other end of theoptical fiber is in alignment with the optical receiver. With thisconfiguration, the processor may monitor optical continuity through thefiber using the optical transmitter and the optical receiver and mayalso monitor electrical continuity through the conductor.

In a second separate aspect of the invention, the method of processingdata generated by a remote tracking device includes processing the dataat the remote tracking device; initiating an alert notification at theremote tracking device when the data includes first predeterminedcharacteristics; transmitting the data from the remote tracking deviceto a call center when the data includes second predeterminedcharacteristics; directly providing notification to an administrator ofthe remote tracking device when the data includes third predeterminedcharacteristics; and providing a report to the administrator whichincludes data generated during a predetermined time period having firstor second predetermined characteristics. The third characteristics maybe, and preferably are, defined by the administrator.

In a third separate aspect of the present invention, any of theforegoing aspects may be employed in combination.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved remote tracking and communication device and an improved methodof processing data generated by a remote tracking and communicationdevice. Other objects and advantages will appear hereinafter.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic ofthe invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages will be better understoodfrom the following description when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, thateach of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration anddescription only and is not intended as a definition of the limits ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference isnow made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing, in which like reference numerals refer to similarcomponents:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a remote tracking andcommunication device;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a remote tracking and communicationdevice;

FIG. 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of a remote tracking andcommunication device;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an extension cover portion of a remotetracking and communication device;

FIG. 4B is a partial sectional view of an extension cover portion of aremote tracking and communication device;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the tamper detection system for the strapof a remote tracking and communication device;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the electrical components in a remotetracking and communication device;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a battery charger associated witha remote tracking and communication device;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the electrical components in a batterycharger associated with a remote tracking and communication device;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a peripheral associated with a remotetracking and communication device; and

FIGS. 10 & 11 are flow charts which illustrate how data from a remotetracking and communication device is processed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a remote trackingand communication device 10. The device 10 includes a housing 12 with abattery 14 removably affixed thereto. The single housing is configuredto contain all electrical components necessary for tracking andcommunicating with the individual wearing the device 10. The battery 14provides power to the electronic circuitry within the housing 12, asdescribed below, and is preferably rechargeable. The top side 16 of thehousing 12 includes a first set of through ports 18. Another side 20 ofthe housing 12 includes a second set of through ports 22. The first setof through ports 18 are configured to allow sound to pass through to amicrophone (not shown) disposed within the housing 12, while the secondset of through ports 22 are configured to allow sound to pass outwardfrom a speaker (not shown) which is also disposed within the housing 12.The top side 16 of the housing 12 also includes two panels 24, 26, atleast one of which is configured as a rocker button to activate one ormore of the electronic components described below.

The back side 28 of the device 10 are shown in perspective in FIG. 2.The back side 28 includes an appropriate curvature so that the device 10can be attached to a person's body, preferably to an ankle. The battery14, which forms the bottom side of the device 10, includes a lever 30which is movable to release the battery 14 from the housing 12. Eachside 32, 34 of the housing includes a wing extension 36, 38,respectively. Each end of a strap 40 (partially shown) is secured withinone of the wing extensions 38, 38.

FIG. 3 illustrates the manner of securing an end of the strap 40 to thewing extension 36. The strap 40 includes an optical fiber 42 and aconductive material 44 embedded throughout its length, each of which isexposed at either end of the strap 40. Each end of the strap 40 isinserted into a strap seal 46. The strap seal 46 seals the wingextension 36 against water and other external undesirable contaminantswhen the device 10 is fully assembled and the strap seal is compressedby the pressure block 50. The strap seal 46, with the end of the strap40 inserted therein, is seated into the open wing extension 36 area asshown. When seated in this manner, each end is aligned with one of alight emitter/receiver (see FIG. 5), and the conductive material 44 isseated into a contact fork 48. The pressure block 50 is placed over theseated strap seal 46 and is held in place by tamper-resistant screws 52.Depending upon the application for which the device 10 is used, thescrews 52 may be replaced by other appropriate fasteners. The pressureblock 50 pushes a fork 54 into the optical fiber 42 to hold the opticalfiber 42 in place against the light emitter/receiver. Lastly, a cover 56is placed over the assembled wing extension 36.

The cover 56 includes designed imperfections is configured to providevisual evidence of tampering, through breaking, visible deformity, ordiscoloration, and helps maintain an overall uniformity of look for thedevice 10. FIG. 4A illustrates the cover 56, which includes locking tabs58 to prevent removal of the cover 56 once installed in place. Referringto FIG. 4B, each tab 58 includes a cut-out portion 60 near the endflange 62. Once the cover 56 is initially affixed to the housing 12 ofthe device 10, removal of the cover 56 will generally cause the end ofthe tabs 58 to break at the cut-out portion 60. The cover 56 alsoincludes grooves 64 on the inside portion thereof as structural weakpoints. These grooves 64 are designed to break or become visiblydeformed upon any force to remove the cover 56 once it is installed inplace. Both of these features provide visible evidence of attemptedefforts to tamper with the cover 56 once it is securely attached to anindividual.

FIG. 5 illustrates the connection between the strap and the internalelectronic components of the remote tracking and communication device.Internal to the device is a main PCB 70, to which the light emitter 72,the light receiver 74, an electrical signal emitter 76, and anelectrical signal receiver 78 are affixed. Other electrical componentswithin the housing are also affixed to the main PCB 70, oralternatively, may be affixed to one or more secondary PCBs that areelectrically connected with the main PCB 70. As shown, the optical fiber42 included in the strap (not shown) runs from the light emitter 72 tothe light receiver 74 when the strap is secured to the device. With sucha configuration, a “light circuit” is created between the PCB 70 and thestrap, and this “light circuit” can be monitored for optical continuityto ensure that the strap remains in place and has not been tampered withby the wearer. Likewise, the conductive material in the strap runs fromthe electrical signal emitter 76 to the electrical signal receiver 78.This configuration creates a more common electrical circuit which can bemonitored for electrical continuity to detect tampering.

Additional tamper detection may be achieved through monitoring allexternally accessible fasteners, e.g., the screws affixing the pressureblock to the housing, the external battery, and the like, for electricalcontinuity by using each fastener to complete, or as part of, anelectrical circuit.

Turning to FIG. 6, the electronic components of the remote tracking andcommunication device are communicably and electronically connected asillustrated. The type of connection between the various components is amatter of design choice, and may vary depending upon the specificcomponent chosen to perform for a particular function. Further, where aspecific component is indicated, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the indicated component may be substituted with other,functionally equivalent components that are readily available in themarketplace.

The microprocessor 90 controls overall operation of the device accordingto programming stored in the SRAM memory 92. One or more switches (orbuttons) 94 are included for activation of pre-designated functionalityof the microprocessor 90 and other electronic components. Preferably, nomore than two switches are included, with one of the two switches beingdedicated for activation of voice communications with a call center.LEDs 96 are also included as function indicators. The programming storedin the SRAM memory may be placed there at the time of manufacture, or itmay be uploaded to the device using a wired connection via the includeddiagnostic interface 98 or the user interface 100, or wirelessly via thecellular transceiver 102 and the associated antenna 104. As shown, thecellular transceiver 102 is of the GSM/GPRS variety, and thus includes aSIM card 106. The cellular transceiver 102 enables two-way voice anddata communications between the remote device and a call center. Voicecommunications are further enabled by a direct connection between thecellular transceiver 102 and the audio codec 108, which encodes anddecodes the digital audio signal portion of the wireless transmission,and the associated speaker 110 and microphone 112. Data communicationsare preferably enabled using the cellular data channel and/or thecellular control channel, via short message service (SMS). This providesredundancy for cellular systems in which service for both types of datacommunication is supported. Also, for those cellular systems in whichthe voice channel cannot be used simultaneously with the data channel,or in which the data channel is simply unavailable, the control channelprovides a data link between the call center and the device.

A short range wireless transceiver 114 and associated antenna 116 areincluded for short range wireless voice and data communications withperipheral devices. Preferably, this second wireless transceiver 114utilizes the wireless communications standard published by the ZigBeeAlliance, information about which may be found at www.zigbee.org. Thesecond wireless transceiver 114, however, may be designed andimplemented using alternative wireless communication standards. Themicroprocessor 90 is programmed to pass through voice communicationsreceived by the cellular transceiver 102 to a voice-capable peripheralwhen such a peripheral is employed in conjunction with the remotetracking and communication device and is activated. Likewise, voicecommunications received from the peripheral are passed through to thecellular transceiver 102 for retransmission. Data received from such aperipheral, if any, may be stored by the microprocessor 90 in the serialflash memory 118 until additional processing is required by themicroprocessor 90 or until retransmission occurs.

A GPS receiver 120 and associated GPS antenna 122 are included forestablishing the geographical location of the remote tracking andcommunication device (and its wearer/user). Data from the GPS receiver120 is received and passed through to the microprocessor 90, which inturn processes the data as required by the programming (described inmore detail below) and stores it in the serial flash memory 118 pendingtransmission via the cellular transceiver 102. The cellular transceiver102 may also be used to geographically locate the device through wellknown methods of cell tower triangulation. Geographical location usingthe cellular transceiver 102 may be performed in addition to or as asubstitute for the GPS receiver 120. Other known ground-based methodsfor geographically locating the device may also be employed.

Power to the processor and other electronic components is providedthough a power controller 124 by an external battery 126, and ifnecessary, an internal battery 128. The external battery 126 is externalto the housing (see FIG. 1) in which the other electronic components areenclosed. This battery is removable and is preferably rechargeable by aseparate recharger unit. The internal battery 128 is internal to thehousing. Power levels on the internal battery 128 are maintained andrecharged using power from the external battery 126 and a batteryrecharger 120, which is also internal to the device. In thisconfiguration, the internal battery 128 provides power backup duringtimes when the external battery 126 is disconnected or depleted.Preferably, every remote tracking and communication device is associatedwith one or more spare external batteries so that the internal batteryneed only power the device during the short times, e.g., no more thanone or two hours, the external batteries are exchanged. This eliminatesthe need to have an internal battery with a large power storagecapacity.

The external battery recharging unit 140 is illustrated in FIG. 7. Thisbattery recharging unit 140 is configured so that two external batteriesmay be simultaneously charged. As shown, one external battery 142 iscoupled to one side of the recharging unit 140. Coupling flanges 144 areincluded on the sides of the recharging unit 140 so that the batteriesmay be attached and recharged.

The circuitry within the external battery recharging unit is illustratedin FIG. 8. The power regulator 150 powers each of two battery rechargingterminals 152, 154. LEDs 156 are provided to indicate the chargingstatus of the batteries. A microprocessor 156 is also powered by thepower regulator 150. A short range wireless transceiver 158 andassociated antenna 160 communicate with the microprocessor 156. Theshort range wireless transceiver is configured to use the same wirelesscommunications standard as the remote tracking and communication deviceto enable wireless voice and data communications between the device andthe battery recharging unit. Voice and/or data communications receivedby the short range wireless transceiver 158 are passed through to themodem 162 for retransmission over an incoming POTS line terminal 164.For convenience, the modem passes through the incoming POTS line to anoutgoing POTS line terminal 166 so that a telephone may remain connectedto the POTS line. When the battery recharging unit and the associatedremote tracking and communication device are used in a location where nocellular service exists, the device may be programmed to utilize its owninternal short range wireless transceiver to establish voice and/or datacommunications with the call center through the POTS line connected tothe battery recharging unit.

FIG. 9 illustrates a peripheral 170 which may be used in conjunctionwith the remote tracking and communication device. This peripheral 170has the form factor of a watch and includes an internal speaker, aninternal microphone, and an internal short range wireless transceiver,each component in electronic communication with the other components.The microphone and speaker are positioned opposite through ports 172,174, respectively, in the housing of the peripheral to better enablevoice communications using the peripheral 170. The short range wirelesstransceiver is configured to use the same wireless communicationsstandard as the remote tracking and communication device to enablewireless voice and data communications between the device and theperipheral. A button 176 is included which, when pressed, causes acommand signal to be sent to the remote tracking and communicationdevice. This command signal instructs the remote tracking andcommunication device to initiate two-way voice communications with thecall center. When the peripheral 170 is used for such voicecommunications, the peripheral 170 communicates wirelessly with thedevice using the respective short range wireless transceiver of eachrespective unit, and the device uses the included cellular transceiverto connect the voice communications with the call center.

Using the electronics configuration described above, the remote trackingand communication device may be programmed with a variety of usefulfeatures. One such feature is the ability to track the geographicallocation the individual wearing the device. Most frequently, the GPSreceiver is used to determine the location of the device (and thus thewearer) at the time indicated in the GPS signals received from GPSnetwork satellites. When the GPS is unable to determine location, thecellular transceiver may be used to determine the location of the deviceusing well-known cellular tower triangulation techniques. Onceidentified, the location of the device is passed to the microprocessor,which processes the data according to its programming and stores thedata in the flash memory. The stored data is periodically transmitted toa central server.

Where the device is used to track the location and movement of anindividual the microprocessor is programmed to compare location dataagainst rules which establish curfews, inclusion zones, exclusion zones.A curfew is defined by a geographical area within which the device (andthus the wearer) needs to be physically located during specified times.Examples of curfew rules include requiring the wearer to be at a homearea during the evening and overnight hours or at a work area duringwork hours. An inclusion zone is a geographical area within which thewearer is required to remain at all times. An exclusion zone is ageographical area outside of which the wearer is required at all times.The rules are generally established for any particular device at thetime of initialization, however, the rules may be changed, or eventemporarily suspended, at any time through revisions to the programmingstored within the device. Such revisions may be implemented throughdirect connections to the diagnostic or user interface components of thedevice, or through the wireless data connection provided by the cellulartransceiver.

In another such feature, the SRAM memory is utilized to storeprerecorded voice messages or other audio which provide feedback duringoperation of the device. Prerecorded voice messages, however, arepreferred because they do not require a reference manual or other cribsheet for interpretation. Voice message feedback may be advantageouslyutilized during initial setup of the device in that it providesstep-by-step instructions for the setup routine, including directing theadministrative user to input information about the device and user intothe database via the web application described below. Voice messagefeedback may be similarly utilized during the detachment process toensure that the device is removed by an authorized individual. Duringthe removal process, if the audible instructions are not followed, i.e.,inputting requested information into the database, then the device ispreferably programmed to generate an alarm, which is processed asdescribed below.

Following the initial power-up sequence, the device may be programmed toestablish a data connection with a central server to which the deviceprovides device-specific identification data. This eliminates any needfor the administrative user to connect the device to a local computer orterminal for the initialization process. The central server isprogrammed to maintain a data base of data sent by tracking andcommunication devices. Upon initial contact, the central server createsa database entry using the device-specific identification data.

The administrative user is provided access to data on the central servervia a computer or terminal. In instances where the device is used as atracking device for offenders, the administrative user may be thesupervision officer or other authority figure. For other serviceapplications, the administrative user and the wearer may be the sameindividual. Access to the database may be advantageously implemented asa web application, or it may be implemented as a stand aloneapplication. The administrative user accesses the database entry for thespecific device by entering an identification code for that device. Theadministrative user is then presented with the opportunity to create anassociation in the database between the administrative user's accountand that specific device. Thereafter, when accessing the database, theadministrative user is preferably presented with a list of associateddevices and no longer needs to enter device identification data toretrieve device-specific data. Once the administrative user hasestablished the association with the device, the pre-recorded voicemessages provide instructions for additional data for entry into thedatabase. This additional data may include detailed personal and medicalinformation about the individual wearing the device and, in the casewhere the wearer is an offender, detailed information regarding therules for curfews, inclusion zones, exclusion zones, or any otherinformation which is time and/or location related and is useable tocontrol the activities of the offender. The rules established for aparticular device are stored in the database and downloaded to thedevice so that the device can actively monitor for rule violations.Methods of designating rules for purposes of tracking are well-known,see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,652,570, 5,731,757, 5,867,103, 6,072,396,and 6,100,806, and thus not discussed in detail herein.

In addition, prerecorded voice messages may also walk the administrativeuser through affixing the device to the wearer using the tamperresistant strap. As the strap is affixed, the device audibly confirmssuccessful service operation, e.g. that optical continuity isestablished through the optical fiber in the strap and that electricalcontinuity is established through the conductive material in the strap.

Once the initialization process is complete, the GPS receiver beginsidentifying the geographical location of the device, and themicroprocessor processes and stores that location data according to itsprogramming. The device may be programmed such that geographicallocation is continuously monitored or monitored at specified intervals.With an appropriate peripheral, the device may also be programmed tomonitor physiological conditions of the wearer. In addition, themicroprocessor actively monitors other components of the device forindications of tampering, battery exchanges/replacements, and equipmentfailure. FIG. 10 illustrates the process with which the microprocessorprocesses monitored conditions. The microprocessor is programmed tocollect and store location data and data related to other monitoredconditions in the flash memory 190. The microprocessor is furtherprogrammed to perform additional functions based upon application of therules to the data collected, upon occurrence of a particular condition(such as, e.g., when tampering is detected or when the wearer'sheartbeat is irregular or no longer detectable, the latter requiring aseparate peripheral), or at predetermined intervals 192. When an alarmcondition is raised or action is otherwise required 194, whether becausethe action is preprogrammed or the action is the result of a commandreceived from the central server, the call center, or the administrativeuser, the microprocessor proceeds through a series of steps to determinethe reaction. It should be noted that the reaction of the microprocessoris preferably entirely programmable by the administrative user throughthe web application or through a direct interface connection to thedevice. Options for the reaction include immediately initiating a dataconnection with the central server to transmit data relating to an alarmor data that is stored in memory 196, producing an audible alert usingthe pre-recorded audio stored in memory 198, playing one of thepre-recorded messages 200, initiating voice communications with the callcenter 202, or take some other action 204. Other actions may include,among other things, storing data related to an alarm in memory fortransmission at a later time, storing updated rules data to memory, orsuspending rule violations notification for a period of time.

In instances where the location data indicates the device is locatedoutside of a geographical location permitted by the rules, themicroprocessor preferably provides audio feed back, in the form of asiren or a prerecorded message, to the wearer of the rule violation andimmediately sends notice of the rule violation to the central server foradditional processing. Such a notice preferably includes thegeographical location of the device, the time of the location, and anindicator of the rule violated.

FIG. 11 illustrates the method of processing data from the device whenit is received at the central server. Initially, the central serverdetermines if the data includes information that was expressly requestedby an operator at the call center or by the administrative user 210, andif so, the data is relayed to the operator or administrative user fordisplay at a computer or terminal 212. Next, the central serverdetermines if the data includes a standard tracer record 214, which mayinclude self-identification of the device, self-diagnostic reports,upload audit logs, component version identification, confirmation ofparameter changes such as volume control, suspending audible alarms atthe device, activating or deactivating the speaker, and the like.Standard tracer records are processed as necessary and noted in thedatabase 216. If the data does not include a tracer record, the centralserver determines if the data is an indicator of an alarm condition 218.If the data is indicative of an alarm condition, the central serverdetermines if the alarm is a repeat of an alarm which was previouslyreceived and reported 220. For alarms that were not previously received,the central server takes the appropriate notification action asprogrammed by the administrative user 222. If the data is not indicativeof an alarm condition, the central server determines whether theindividual wearing the device is subject to geographical location rules224. In such instances, the central server determines whether a rulehas, in fact, been violated 226 and determines if an alarm conditionexists 228. When an alarm condition is raised, the central server firstif the alarm is a repeat of a previous alarm 230, and if so, takes theappropriate notification action as programmed by the administrative user232. When immediate administrative user notification is not required, orno alarm condition is raised, the data is stored in the database 234 andreported to the administrative user in periodic reports which at leastlists all alarm conditions received since provision of the last report.All recorded data may optionally be included in the report.

The notification actions are fully configurable by the administrativeuser through the web application. The administrative user may designatespecific types of alarms for immediate notification, and notificationmay be arranged through one or more methods including fax, email, textmessaging to a pager, text messaging to a cellular phone, or through adirect call from the call center, or the like. In addition, theadministrative user may also designate that some specific types ofalarms result in direct notification to local authorities for immediateaction.

The web application also provides the administrative user with theability to temporarily suspend reactions to specific types of alarms.During suspension, the device will suspend localized reactions only(i.e., pre-recorded voice messages, siren, initiating voicecommunications with the call center). The device will still transmit allalarms identified during suspension to the central server, which will inturn include all identified alarms in the periodic reports (e.g.,weekly) to the administrative user.

The web application also provides the administrative user and callcenter operators with the ability to enter and store notes. Notes may bein the form of personal daily monitoring logs, calendared appointmentsor action items, case management directives, or contextual notationsrelated to particular alarms saved within the database.

Another feature of the central server is to enable the call center orthe administrative user, through the web application, to send commandsor other data to the device. Such commands may include playing apre-recorded message to the wearer, instructing the microprocessor totransmit data to provide a current status of the location and status ofthe device, and the like. The administrative user may also use the webapplication to instruct to the call center to initiate voicecommunications with the wearer. The call center then contacts the wearerby placing a cellular call to the cellular transceiver. Once the weareris contacted, the call center then initiates a call to theadministrative user and conferences the two calls.

Preferably, all voice communications with the device are made throughthe call center so that all calls can be recorded and saved within thedatabase. This enables the call center and the administrative user toaccess the recorded calls at a later time as needed. To ensure that allcalls are recorded, the cellular transceiver blocks all incoming callsthat do not originate from the call center. Alternatively, the cellulartransceiver may selectively block incoming calls by utilizing the areacode and telephone prefix to identify the origin of the call, allowingcalls only from selected area codes and prefixes. Alternatively, thecellular transceiver may selectively block all calls except those fromlist of phone numbers that is stored in memory.

The wearer may also initiate voice communications with the call center.At least one of the buttons on the exterior of the device housing isconfigured to activate voice communications using the cellulartransceiver. When pressed, the device is programmed such that cellulartransceiver only contacts the call center. The device preferably hasstored in memory a primary number for the call center and a secondarynumber in case a connection cannot be achieved on the primary number.Further, the device is programmed to attempt make a predetermined numberof attempts to contact the call center, first at the primary number,then at the secondary number. Should all attempts fail, the device ispreferably programmed to sound an alert condition to the wearer as anindication that the device is out of a cellular service area or requiresservice for an internal fault.

Thus, an improved remote tracking and communication device and animproved method of processing data generated by a remote tracking andcommunication device are disclosed. While embodiments of this inventionhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that many more modifications are possible without departing fromthe inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is not to berestricted except in the spirit of the following claims.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, thescope of the present application is not intended to be limited to theparticular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, compositionof matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. Asone of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from thedisclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing orlater to be developed that perform substantially the same function orachieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein may be utilized according to the present invention.Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within theirscope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,means, methods, or steps.

1. A device for providing for remote tracking of and communication witha user, the device comprising: a housing enclosing: a processor; aposition locator electronically coupled to the processor; a firsttransmitter electronically coupled to the processor, the firsttransmitter being adapted to send and receive wireless voice and datasignals; and a speaker operable to play pre-recorded messages from theprocessor and to enable voice communications using the firsttransmitter; a microphone operable with the speaker to enable voicecommunications using the first transmitter; a button in the housing,wherein the button is adapted to activate voice communications with acall center using the first transmitter; and a tamper resistant strapcoupled to the tracking device and adapted to affix the tracking devicesecurely to the user.
 2. The device of claim 1, the housing furtherenclosing: an optical transmitter electronically coupled to theprocessor; an optical receiver electronically coupled to the processor.3. The device of claim 2 wherein the strap comprises an optical fiberextending from one end of the strap to the other end, the housing isadapted to receive both ends of the strap such that one end of theoptical fiber is in alignment with the optical transmitter and the otherend of the optical fiber is in alignment with the optical receiver. 4.The device of claim 3, wherein when both ends of the strap are affixedto the housing, the processor is adapted to monitor optical continuitythrough the fiber using the optical transmitter and the opticalreceiver.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein when both ends of the strapare affixed to the housing, the processor is adapted to monitorelectrical continuity through a conductor.
 6. The device of claim 1,further comprising a primary battery removably connected to the deviceand providing power to the device, and a secondary battery enclosed inthe housing providing power to the device when the primary battery isremoved.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the primary battery isadapted to maintain the charge on the secondary battery when the primarybattery is connected to the device.
 8. The device of claim 7, whereinthe device notifies the user when the charge on the primary batteryreaches a pre-determined level.
 9. The device of claim 1, whereinpre-recorded audio files are stored in a memory, each pre-recorded audiofile being associated with a pre-defined alert condition and designatedfor playback using the speaker upon occurrence of the associated alertcondition.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein at least one of thepre-recorded audio files is a pre-recorded voice message.
 11. The deviceof claim 9, wherein the device determines the occurrence of theassociated alert condition and in response, initiates the playback ofchosen pre-recorded audio files.
 12. The device of claim 9, wherein thepre-defined alert condition is the power levels of the first batteryreaching a predetermined level.
 13. The device of claim 5, wherein thedevice determines a violation of one or more pre-programmed rules and inresponse, initiates voice communications with the device.
 14. The deviceof claim 13, wherein violation of one or more pre-programmed rules isindication that the strap has been tampered with including loss ofelectrical continuity through the conductor.
 15. The device of claim 1,wherein the position locator is a GPS receiver.
 16. The device of claim1, wherein the first transmitter is a cellular transceiver.
 17. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the device provides the call center with adevice-specific identifier and the call center creates entries in adatabase of data sent by the device specific to the device using theidentifier.
 18. The device of claim 17 wherein the call center maintainsa database of the data entries and associates the entries of thespecific tracking device with the account of an administrator of thetracking device.
 19. A device for providing for remote tracking of andcommunication with a user, the device comprising: a tamper-resistanthousing; a tamper resistant strap connected to the housing and securelyholding the device to the user an internal battery providing power tothe device, wherein the internal battery is within the tamper-resistanthousing; and a detachable battery removably secured to thetamper-resistant housing wherein the detachable battery is external tothe tamper-resistant housing and provides power to the tracking deviceand charges internal battery upon being secured to the tamper-resistanthousing; wherein the internal battery is adapted to provide power to thetracking device when the detachable battery is disconnected or depleted.20. The device of claim 19 further comprising a position locatorincluding a GPS receiver.
 21. The device of claim 19 further comprisinga cellular transceiver being adapted to send and receive wireless voiceand data signals.
 22. The device of claim 20 further comprising abutton, wherein the button is adapted to activate voice communicationswith a call center using the cellular transceiver.
 23. A methodcomprising: initiating an alert at a remote tracking device to notifyuser of the device that the power levels of a detachable battery hasreached a predetermined level; the detachable battery being externallyand removably secured to a tamper-resistant housing of the trackingdevice wherein upon being secured to the tamper-resistant housing, thedetachable battery is electrically coupled to the tracking device and aninternal battery of the tracking device; removing the detachable batterywherein upon removal of the detachable battery the internal batteryprovides power to the tracking device; recharging of the detachablebattery by an external power source; and securing the charged detachablebattery to the tamper-resistant housing wherein upon being secured tothe housing the detachable battery recharges the internal battery. 24.The method of claim 23, further comprising: processing data generated bythe remote tracking device at the remote tracking device; determiningwhether the data indicates that the tracking device is violating one ormore pre-programmed rules; and transmitting the processed data from theremote tracking device to a call center.
 25. The method of claim 24wherein the violation of one or more pre-programmed rules in the powerlevels of the detachable battery have reached the predetermined level.26. The method of claim 24 wherein the violation of one or morepre-programmed rules in the power levels of the internal battery havereached a second predetermined level.
 27. The method of claim 24,wherein the pre-programmed rules are defined by an administrator of thetracking device.
 28. The method of claim 23, wherein initiating thealert at the remote tracking device includes activating a siren.
 29. Themethod of claim 23, wherein initiating the alert at the remote trackingdevice includes playing a pre-recorded audio file.
 30. The method ofclaim 29, wherein the pre-recorded audio file comprises a pre-recordedvoice message.
 31. The method of claim 23, wherein initiating the alertat the remote tracking device includes the remote tracking deviceautomatically initiating voice communications with the call center. 32.The method of claim 23, wherein directly providing notification to anadministrator of the remote tracking device includes the call centerinitiating voice communications with the administrator.
 33. The methodof claim 24 further comprising directly providing notification of thealert to the administrator.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein directlyproviding notification to an administrator of the remote tracking deviceincludes the call center initiating voice communications with theadministrator.
 35. A method comprising: initiating an alert at a remotetracking device to notify user that the power levels of a detachablebattery has reached a predetermined level; the detachable battery beingexternally and removably secured to a tamper-resistant housing of thetracking device wherein upon being secured to the tamper-resistanthousing of the tracking device wherein upon being secured to thetamper-resistant housing, the detachable battery is electrically coupledto the tracking device and an internal battery of the tracking device;removing the detachable battery wherein upon removal of the detachablebattery the internal battery provides power to the tracking device;reconnecting a charged detachable battery to the tamper-resistanthousing wherein upon being secured to the housing the detachable batteryrecharges the internal battery; and broadcasting a warning signal if thepower levels of the internal battery reach a second predetermined level.